The Lord Of The Cocktails
The Lord Of The Cocktails
The Old Fashioned is THE classic cocktail with a history that dates back to the early 19th century. While its exact origin is unclear, it is widely believed to be one of the earliest of the modern cocktails.
Legend* has it that Tolkien was going to write books called Lord Of The Cocktails, with the Old Fashioned as the ‘Drink Of Power’, however, he changed the books to be about a ring or something. An early script read:
One drink to rule them all, one drink to find them, one drink to bring them all, and in the darkness taste them.
The One Drink…. to rule them all
*When I say ‘Legend’, I mean to say, ‘I just thought it would be funny’.
The drink's name itself suggests a simple, "old-fashioned" way of making a cocktail.
The Old Fashioned is often associated with the Pendennis Club, a private club in Louisville, Kentucky. As the story goes, a bartender at the Pendennis Club is said to have created the drink in the late 19th century. The recipe was then passed down, gaining popularity, and eventually making its way into print.
Was this the birthplace of
‘The Old Fashioned Cocktail'?
One of the earliest documented references to the Old-Fashioned cocktail appears in the 1880 book "The Bartender" by Jerry Thomas. The recipe in the book is similar to the classic Old Fashioned, featuring whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters.
The first real cocktail making book
While the exact inventor of the Old Fashioned remains unclear, it is considered a fundamental cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its simplicity and reliance on basic ingredients have contributed to its enduring popularity. The Old Fashioned has become a template for many other cocktails and is often seen as a symbol of traditional mixology.
We currently offer five different Old Fashioned style cocktails at Fat Adam’s.
Classic Old Fashioned
The Classic Old Fashioned
Classic Rye Old Fashioned
The Classic Rye Old Fashioned
Naval Old Fashioned
The Naval Old Fashioned
Velvet Old Fashioned
The Velvet Old Fashioned
Almond Old Fashioned
The Almond Old Fashioned
All made with premium spirits for maximum enjoyment.
The Old Fashioned is renowned for its simplicity and elegance, and several factors contribute to what makes it a beloved and classic cocktail:
Quality Ingredients: The Old Fashioned typically consists of just a few ingredients: whisky (In my opinion whisky variants should be bourbon or rye but we use Fat Adam’s Old Chapter Whisky aged in Buffalo Trace barrels for 9 years), sugar (this can be any sugar, we use maple syrup for flavour and quality), water, and bitters (we use multiple varieties and blends). Using high-quality whisky and the best ingredients are key to creating a great Old Fashioned.
Balance of Flavours: The Old Fashioned achieves a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and the complexity of the whiskey. The sugar and bitters enhance the flavour of the base spirit without overpowering it. We use a combination of maple syrups and several types of bitters, giving each variety a different flavour.
Technique: The traditional method of making an Old Fashioned involves muddling a sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, then adding a large ice cube and the whiskey. Stirring gently chills the drink without over-diluting it. This careful technique helps to preserve the integrity of the ingredients. We have brought organic maple syrup into the mix for our varieties, with additional ingredients, like Pedro Ximenez Sherry and Disaronno Amaretto.
Type of Whiskey: The choice of whiskey can significantly impact the flavour profile of the Old Fashioned. Bourbon is a popular choice for its sweetness and smoothness, while rye whiskey adds a spicier note. Some enthusiasts may even experiment with different types of whiskey or create variations using other spirits. We use our own Old Chapter Whisky aged in Buffalo Trace barrels as our whisky and Wild Turkey 101 for our ryes. When we swap out the bourbon or rye for rum, we use Fat Adam’s own Sipping Rum Of The Gods.
Presentation: The ritual of serving an Old Fashioned in a lowball glass with a large ice cube and an orange twist or cherry garnish adds to the overall experience. The visual and aromatic aspects enhance the enjoyment of the cocktail. I prefer blood orange or blush, when in season, and Maraschino cherries. I also recommend Lime for the Naval Old Fashioned.
Adaptability: The Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail, which is why we have 5 varieties. We also have several limited editions that will come out at different times of the year. Watch out for the ‘Lovers Old Fashioned’, ‘American Trilogy’, ‘The Killick Old Fashioned’, coming in 2025.
Nostalgia and Tradition: The Old Fashioned has a long history, and its association with classic cocktail culture adds to its appeal. The drink's timeless simplicity and connection to the past contribute to its enduring popularity.
The Old Fashioned's greatness lies in its simplicity, balance, and the careful integration of quality ingredients. Its enduring popularity attests to its status as a timeless and iconic cocktail.
Try one of ours today. We now offer them in smaller 200ml bottles so you can try them all.